Christians Should Pray for Burkina Faso
Many Christians admire Traoré’s courage, his anti‑colonial stance, and his desire to uplift the Sahel. But admiration must never replace spiritual clarity.
Across the Black diaspora, from the streets of Accra to the corners of Atlanta, the rise of Ibrahim Traoré has sent shockwaves of excitement. Young Black people see him as a symbol of African pride, a modern-day revolutionary who refuses to bow to Western pressure.
In 2022, through a military coup, Traoré stepped into power and immediately became a Pan‑African icon. He aligned Burkina Faso with Niger and Mali, forming a united front in the Sahel. He cut ties with France and the United States, strengthened agriculture, boosted the local economy, and declared war on Islamist extremists.
To many, he looks like the kind of leader Africa has been waiting for: bold, fearless, anti‑colonial, and unapologetically African. But history has shown us that leaders like this often face corruption, betrayal, or assassination. That’s why so many young people cling to Traoré with hope in their eyes.
But hope alone is not enough.
Christians must pray.
Ibrahim Traoré’s Faith
Traoré is widely known to be a Sunni Muslim, and Islam is the dominant religion in Burkina Faso, with Christians coming in second. In recent years, Christians in the region have suffered brutal persecution from extremist groups, churches have been burned, pastors killed, and believers kidnapped.
Traoré has publicly stated that he wants unity between Muslims and Christians, and many believers have praised him for his leadership. Some even say he carries a “Jesus-like” aura because of his passion for justice and national restoration.
But recently, at the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) summit, Traoré condemned Western “Christian” nations, calling them imperialists who seek to destabilize West Africa. He did not attack Christianity itself, but he made it clear that he rejects the version of Christianity tied to Western power.
This is where discernment becomes crucial.
What Is a Sunni Muslim?
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam; over 80% of Muslims worldwide fall under it. Sunni Muslims believe:
Allah is the one true God
Muhammad is the final prophet
Jesus is only a prophet, not the Son of God
Salvation does not come through Christ
The Quran is the ultimate divine guide
This means that while Traoré may respect Christians, he does not follow the Jesus of Scripture, nor does he believe in the salvation that comes through Him.
Why Christians Must Pray for Burkina Faso
Many Christians admire Traoré’s courage, his anti‑colonial stance, and his desire to uplift the Sahel. But admiration must never replace spiritual clarity.
The Bible says:
“A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God's law.” - Proverbs 29:18
Burkina Faso cannot experience true freedom, true justice, or true prosperity without the guidance of Yahweh, the God of the Bible.
Jesus made it plain:
“Anyone who isn’t for Christ is against him.” - Matthew 12:30
This means that no matter how inspiring Traoré may be, if he does not follow Christ, he is spiritually lost, and so is the nation he leads.
Christians must pray for:
Traoré’s salvation
The salvation of the people of Burkina Faso
Protection for Christians in the Sahel
God’s truth to reign over the government
Romans 10:9-10 tells us exactly what we should pray for:
that they confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection.
Support Traoré’s positive reforms, but do so with caution. Anything that contradicts God’s Word must be rejected. Pray that the headquarters of Burkina Faso becomes a place where God’s truth, not human ideology, reigns supreme.
Prayer for Burkina Faso
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for being the one and true God. We thank You for raising a leader in a nation that gives hope to Black people around the world. As Your Word says in Jeremiah 29:11, You know the plans You have for us, plans to give us a future and a hope.
We thank You for the positive message and ideas that Ibrahim Traoré has delivered to many who felt oppressed, weakened, and destitute. We ask that You surround Traoré with godly counsel, with people who love You, and with leaders who will guide Burkina Faso into true freedom, liberation, and prosperity.
Please forgive us all our sins and have mercy on the nation when we do anything that does not align with Your will. Remove every hindrance to Traoré’s vision and every enemy seeking to dismantle or weaken Burkina Faso.
Protect Ibrahim Traoré and the leaders of Mali and Niger from evildoers who seek to kill, steal, and destroy. May You receive all glory and honor from the success of the Sahel region and those who lead it.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
